Blu-ray Review: Big Trouble in Little China

When it comes to doing a lot with a little, “Big Trouble in Little China” just about says it all. The film about a CB-radio-broadcasting truck driver who gets waylaid into a mystical-kung-fu China Town adventure is a film only a guy’s guy can enjoy. The film is a Kung-fu meets Beverly Hills Cop laugh-fest with just a touch of Western-tongue-and-cheek-saddle talk, from Kurt Russell, for good measure.

If you were unfortunate enough to only catch a small segment of “Big Trouble in Little China,” when it was on TV, and chided it for cheesiness believe me when I tell you that, although cheesiness abounds, this is a film you can only enjoy by watching from the beginning. “Big Trouble in Little China” is more about the characters and the earned laughs at 80s horror movies or Martial Arts flicks. Director John Carpenter took pieces of his prior works, from movies like Halloween and Escape from New York, and decided to combine them into one giant spoof fest on genres.

There are some great bonus features in the Blu-release, including an expanded ending. Although the extended endings and other bonus features are presented in 480i, they are still a nice touch if you’re thinking about upgrading to the Blu-ray release. The film has had both a visual and audio upgrade. There are moments when the grain seems to seep through, but fans will not find that this hampers their overall viewing experience. Some of the gunshots, especially at the climax, feel on the lighter side and could have benefited from extra attention.

“Big Trouble in Little China” is Western-Mystical-Kung-Fu Hysteria at its best. The movie was released in 1986, and if you watched movies during this decade you’ll definitely appreciate the Carpenter’s knack for mocking this era in movies.

Special Features:
- Audio Commentary by Director John Carpenter and Actor Kurt Russell
- All-new 5.1 DTS Isolated Score Track
- Deleted Scenes
- Extended Ending
- Vintage Featurette
- Music Video
- Richard Edlund Interview
- Trailers and TV Spots
- Behind-the-Scenes Gallery